A woman who contracted swine flu died just weeks after giving birth to her first child

A woman who contracted swine flu died just weeks after giving birth to her first child, a health authority has confirmed.

Susan Ford, 31, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, fell ill with the virus when she was 31 weeks pregnant.

After being admitted to Salford Royal Infirmary, Ms Ford's daughter, Poppy, was delivered by Caesarean section but the new mother's condition failed to improve and she died 18 days after giving birth.

Dr Ruth Hussey, the North West Regional Director of Public Health, said there is a risk that pregnant women who catch the virus can develop complications.

Dr Hussey said: "I would like to start by saying how sorry we are to hear about this death.

"Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the person concerned.

"The NHS will do all it can to support them through this difficult time. We are collecting information to piece together a picture of how this virus is behaving and affecting people, which will inform how we respond to swine flu.

"Most pregnant women with swine flu will only get mild symptoms, but there can be a risk of developing complications.

"Our advice to pregnant women is to keep up with their normal day-to-day activities, such as going to work, travelling on public transport, attending events and family gatherings; but to observe good hand hygiene, avoid contact with anyone who is suspected of having swine flu, and contact your GP as soon as you have flu-like symptoms.

"The swine flu vaccine is being rolled out to GP practices and pregnant women have been identified as a priority group for vaccination and I would urge anyone offered the jab to get it."